It would great to hear the advice of other members on this topic. You ask a very important question Debby. According to a recent study, nicotine residue from cigarette smoke
reacts with common indoor air pollutants to produce dangerous
carcinogens. This residue can linger on clothing, skin, furnishings,
etc. It can last for weeks and even months; it can also accumulate over
time compounding the risk. We come in contact with this residue
through skin exposure, dust inhalation and ingestion. Smoking with a
fan on will not decrease the risk and smoking outdoors does not
eliminate the problem either.
Nicotine has been considered non toxic, it has been the other
chemicals in cigarettes that have been blamed for the many problems
smoking can cause. Yet, according to this study it is the nicotine that
reacts with indoor air pollutants that cause the potential cancer
hazard.
Ashley, Health Educator
Reference:
Science Daily. (2010) Carcinogen Form from Third-hand Smoke.
Retrieved on March 26, 2010 from
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208154651.htm
Journal Reference:
Hugo Destaillats, Mohamad Sleiman, Lara Gundel and Brett Singer, James
Pankow and Peyton Jacob. Formation of carcinogens indoors by
surface-mediated reactions of nicotine with nitrous acid, leading to
potential third-hand smoke hazards. Proceedings of the National Academy
of Sciences, (in press)
Well Ashley...funny you bring this up today...I was just wondering about how to post something regarding this!
I have QUIT, however my boyfriend is TRYING as he calls it haha BUT he has not QUIT. He works out of town Mon-Fri...so there is no smoke around during that time. I was told I had to quit smoking to to an upcoming surgery...which really just gave me the strength to finally quit as I have been wanting to.
This is the way we work it. Since I can not have ANY second hand smoke as it still contains NICOTINE... and I need to NICOTINE FREE! So he smokes the E Cigarette when in the bedroom...when he has smoked for YEARS at his house...still smells like smoke in there! But he does go out and smoke also. He said he is not strong enough. I just think he is not ready.
So the way we work it is...he smokes outside and washes hands and brushes teeth and sprays body spray..haha
NOW MY QUESTION IS....if someone smokes...does the smell of the cigarettes that stays in the clothing, bedding....does that give you NICOTINE in your body? He has not smoked in there in 2 weeks but it still smells like it because it is inbedded in everything. I want to be NICOTINE FREE AT ALL TIMES...any help would be greatly appreciated!
MY THOUGHT ON YOUR POST: If you are REALLY READY TO QUIT...YOU WILL. My daughter smokes outside and her cigarettes are in reach to me...but I am NOT going to go there. I have a DRIVE THAT IS PULLING ME TO STAY NICOTINE FREE. You have to think if YOU FIRST....then it all seems to work together...in my experience...I only have 8 days NICOTINE FREE...but I am STAYING STRONG...Thanks to this board and the people I have met here! THIS IS THE BEST SUPPORT THERE IS OUT THERE! THANKS FOR THIS BOARD!
First off, your quit has to be your first priority. Protect it at all costs. Lead by example.
Second, talk to him. Try to find some middle ground together that will keep your children from being exposed to the harmful effects of smoking and you from temptation.
Many members have dealt with this issue and have gone on to have successful quits.
Some of them have had their husbands hide their cigarettes from them and agreed that the smoker of the household should take it outside or limit it to one enclosed room in the house.
If any members here have quit alongside a smoking spouse, please share your tips & experiences!
